Cats? you mean the big cats in Darkroot? I doubt they will be strong enough for them.

If you end up going exploring before you get a decent divine/occult weapon like claymore or GS or something then get a lightning weapon. Occult weapons and Divine weapons are great when they are maxed out and you have loads of faith, but early game it's pretty underpowered, like a sorcerer. So a lightning weapon helps I find.